We firmly believe that the proofs you create should render exactly like the original file to ensure accurate proofing. That means they should be accurate in transparency, font rendering, text quality, and color reproduction.
However, this level of detail means files are often large in size. Therefore, when you upload a PDF file to our platform, we convert it into a format that is both accurate and very small in size, making it very quick to load for review and markup. So an exact copy, but quick processing.
Helpful industry tests
To check that a proof actually matches the original PDF artwork uploaded, you can use a number of industry tests.
Ghent PDF Output Suite
The Ghent Output Suite was created for professionals processing PDF files to determine they were behaving as expected in graphic art production workflows. The test involves a series of patches that are constructed to clearly show whether a rendering test is passed or failed. For example, to check that transparency in the PDF file is rendered correctly. The test patches check the rendering of artwork effects such as transparency, CMYK, RGB and spot colors, font quality, overprint, etc just to name a few areas.
Fogra color matching
Also well-regarded in the print and media industry is the Fogra print check. This quality control check is specifically designed for color and detail sharpness.
PageProof’s superior performance against industry tests
We are proud to announce that PageProof is Ghent PDF Output Suite 5 compliant – the only triple-layer encrypted, online proofing system that accompanies this ‘carbon copy’ accuracy with superior markup, workflows, compliance tracking, and more. This means no special settings are required to correctly display the Ghent Output Suite 5.0 pages in PageProof.
PageProof also matches the Fogra quality control check against standard CMYK profiles – and we are the only online proofing system to do so.
Book a demo with our team to see these in action.
Note: This article was originally created in July 2020. The blog was updated with the latest release of the Ghent Output Suite in October 2021.